LG launches Google Assistant on AI TV line-up

DUBAI, May 10, 2018

LG Electronics is introducing Google Assistant on its 2018 AI TV line-up, which will deliver cutting-edge AI features operated directly through the TV’s remote control with no additional hardware required.

The range includes both LG OLED TVs and LG Super UHD TVs with ThinQ AI, a statement said.

The collaboration between Google and LG will add more convenience in consumers’ lives, and the synergistic effects from this technology partnership positively impacting LG’s award-winning TVs.

The Google Assistant combines with LG’s award-winning webOS based ThinQ AI to bring new levels of convenience and control to the consumer. This enables 2018 LG TVs to deliver an intuitive AI experience that uses natural language commands to control TV functions, seamlessly discover and play content, and control TV settings. With the Google Assistant, users can ask it to help manage daily tasks, access information, control compatible smart home devices including lighting, appliances and much more.

Beginning this year, LG and Google began collaborating to develop a wide range of features and are working on expanding consumer accessibility in multiple languages. By adding the Google Assistant to the webOS platform of LG’s 2018 AI TVs, the advanced machine learning and natural language processing technologies that Google is known for will simplify life for consumers worldwide, the statement said.

LG’s 2018 AI TVs can perform hundreds of voice commands utilizing the company’s own open smart platform as well as the built-in Google Assistant. With LG’s proprietary ThinQ AI users can immediately connect to external gaming consoles and soundbars (“Connect to soundbar”), they can switch picture mode (“Change to Cinema Mode”) or turn the TV off at set times.

Additionally, searching for content is even simpler and more convenient with LG TVs. LG AI-enabled TVs can instantly retrieve information or switch to a channel that offers the content requested by the viewer. “Switch to Discovery channel” instantly connects one to information about future travel destinations. Users can learn more about their desired films simply by saying a character’s or actor’s name, they can tell the TV to “Search for the soundtrack of this movie” or “Turn off the TV when this program is over” without needing to schedule a time.

With the Google Assistant built in, LG’s AI TVs offer users a streamlined experience that allows them to manage different tasks, find answers, or control smart home devices. Simply press and hold the mic button and ask for information such as the weather forecast (“What’s the weather this weekend?”), nearby local businesses, or check the score of the big game without disturbing the viewing experience.

Users can relive their favourite moments by displaying memories from Google Photos. Services such as food delivery and transportation will also be easier with the addition of third-party Actions available in the near future.

With help from the Google Assistant, LG’s AI TVs can serve as the centre of a smart home, offering access to devices such as robotic vacuum cleaners, thermostats, air purifiers, smart lighting devices and many more. The Google Assistant works with more than 5,000 smart devices across hundreds of popular brands making it easier to control smart speakers and other devices connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

LG OLED TVs and LG SUPER UHD TVs with ThinQ AI and the Google Assistant will be available in the US starting in May with key markets in Europe and Asia to follow.

“With the Google Assistant now available natively in 2018 LG AI TVs, I believe we’re going to see a whole new level of AI adoption in the home,” said Brian Kwon, president of LG’s Home Entertainment Company.

“LG’s unique partnership with Google allows us to be the first TV brand to offer the Google Assistant on our own OS which is a huge benefit for customers who are fans of webOS. With great partners like Google, we expect there to be many more exciting AI news to come from LG.”

LG’s 2018 AI TVs also work with existing Google Assistant devices such as Google Home and other smart speakers with the Assistant built in, allowing users to send voice commands directly from a separate Assistant device to their LG TV.

TV owners can speak to other Assistant devices to control TV functions such as volume, play, pause, start, stop, fast forward, channel selection, content search, among many others. LG’s 2018 AI-enabled TVs will work with other Google Assistant devices in the US, UK, Canada and Australia with further expansion to be announced later this year. – TradeArabia News Service